Meeting up with people in Medellin

tejasmarcos says on Mar 21, 2007, 17:43:

the expat community here is not very tight. however, i'm down and will be here a few more weeks before i have to return to the states for a 6 month work duty.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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agongora says on Mar 21, 2007, 18:34:

Marcos... thanks for the headsup. I'm not there yet though, but should be there in a couple of months for a bit and will probably move there by the end of the year. Keep me in mind though:

macondo176 at gmail.com

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goin_south says on Mar 22, 2007, 00:05:

yeah, bzj... like you got to work at it (avoiding gringos).
How many gringos have you seen in all of Colombia???
1? 2?? 3???

Ciao! Gustav. Bienvenitos, Ike.

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southern151 says on Mar 22, 2007, 00:26:

Yep... F**k all GRINGOS! They are a great source of revenue for the country that you seem to claim to live! That's right, shoot yourself in the foot! Keep your country off the map of tourism!

That's a great damn idea!

They should elect you as president! LOL

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tomtom33 says on Mar 22, 2007, 02:04:

bazu Try Nepal. I hear that there are vey few Gringos there.

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panthdave says on Mar 22, 2007, 02:58:

Waste of Time No Comment

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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rocinante says on Mar 27, 2007, 15:31:

Poblado yes, Manrique, no No hay gringos en Manrique - confia en mi.

I have GREAT videos of New Years Eve fireworks over Medallo from a roof top party in Manrique. One of the greatest experiences in my life and now I'm stuck here for two months which is why I'm such a crabby ass.

Avoid gringos at all costs where you live as they will blow your cover!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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Janneman says on Mar 27, 2007, 16:40:

I would be there... If its before the 22nd of april.
I need a boost about Medellin, me and paisita are going to swop my beloved Lima, Peru for Medellin.

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rocinante says on Mar 27, 2007, 16:57:

swap Lima for Medellín? So when I land in Medellín after April 22nd I'll actually be in Peru? OK I'll have the cerviche.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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manINred says on Mar 27, 2007, 17:07:

that's one helluva bad trade.

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coffee beaner says on Mar 27, 2007, 17:45:

Manrique is great, I like it better then El Pablodo.. no gringos in sight and a lot of stright up Colombian girls. Not like El Poblado, full of Colombianas who think they live in the States.

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rocinante says on Mar 27, 2007, 21:06:

Beaner - I like the way you think. I'll post my videos soon.

"They [Gringos] are a great source of revenue for the country that you seem to claim to live! "-southern151 to bazucojoe And you can substantiate this statment how? Just replace "are" with "could be" and we have a deal, you and me.

Of course Bazucojoe doesn't live in Medellín - he thinks there are gringos in Manrique - LOL!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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coffee beaner says on Mar 27, 2007, 22:20:

hahaha true true I can't imagine a gringo walking at night in la 45, and thank god they won't either! Some parts of Medello should stay free of pale 6'foot gringos. Stay in your Poblado and go to the only club in Medellin "Mangos"

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utopiacowboy says on Mar 28, 2007, 06:12:

For sure you don't see any gringos in Manrique or Pedregal but you don't see many in Belen or Laureles either. They like to stay holed up in Poblado up in the Intercontinental and El Tesoro mall. They can have it as far as I am concerned.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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southern151 says on Mar 28, 2007, 07:09:

Poke fun fellas...Go ahead... BTW, I never even bothered with Mangos. Heard about it from the locals and they told me it was a joke. As for the different areas of Medellin, I'm not sure of all the places that I went but know that I spent a lot of time outside of Poblado.

PaisaAmericano took me to a number of good places, including one helluva strip club somewhere.? Also, I had a female companion that showed me a around many areas of Med and the surrounding cities. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time there to get real familiar with multiple areas but would love to on my next trip. I'll be sure to get with all the Medellin experts here on PBH to find out the "real" places to go since none of the locals knew.

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manINred says on Mar 28, 2007, 08:47:

Mangos IS a joke full of mafiosos y manes, the only place a pretty girl will turn down a dancing request and stick with the old, ugly, bald guy she's standing beside with 3 other hookers. You do see beautiful women there though.

Medellin is a city full of surprises. I personally like certain neighbourhoods better than poblado, they are prettier.

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El Piloto says on Mar 28, 2007, 11:08:

Barrio Manrique What is Manrique like exactly? My friend lives in Manrique Central but didn't want to take me to see her neighborhood. Gathered she might have been slightly ashamed of it... Is it really that bad?

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rocinante says on Mar 28, 2007, 14:42:

Manrique y la gente Manrique, Robledo Miramar, Robledo Diamante, etc... You don't really want to be in one of these places without a local. Pero la gente que vive en esos barios son los corazónes y las almas de Colombia.

There are some awesome neighborhoods in the lower Estratos (2-3) and these lower sections probably comprise 50%+ of Medellín's population.

They all look similar and carry the same weight in regards to danger/safety - so what makes them awesome? The people and the way of life. I would expand but some know-it-all will say that Laureles, Belen, and Poblado all have the same thing so I'm closing that door.

Let's just say that a good deal of these folks living there came from the "country" a few hours away when things got really dicey 10-20 years ago. They all moved into these lower sections of town, crammed 12 people into 1 level 3 bedroom houses and worked and saved and would build an addition or another floor to their existing house. They still remember the really bad living conditions and hunger they had out in the woods and what it was like when they first got there (to Medellín). Poorer people tend to be more religious (let's not have this discussion in this thread please) and mix that all together and you have very thankful, happy, hearty people who only need a little to feel like they have a lot. Of course like everyone else on the planet they want more but are more satisfied than one would think - this because where they are from.

No disrespect to our usual traveler posting here but if you are holed up in taxis, higher neighborhoods and clubs, although you are having a great time and experiencing a great deal no doubt, you really are not seeing the real Colombia.

And yes los pobres do go to Pueblito Paisa, Las Feria De Flores, Las Luces/Alumbrados durante la Navidad, They have jobs, have running water (OK, It shuts down for a few hours once or twice a month), cable TV, cell phones and all the other nornmal stuff. Saturday night turns into a party in the streets and music blasts early just about every morning. I love everything but the blasting music.

When you have a little and are surrounded by people who have a lot - OR - you used to have a lot and now you have little, it hurts.

When you have a little and you are surrounded by people who have a little too or less - OR - you had a little and now you have more, it feels good.

Next time make her take you to Manrique and spend some time there, with the people. You can draw your own conclusion.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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coffee beaner says on Mar 28, 2007, 14:48:

manINred I totally agree with you about Mangos, Mafiosos and Prepagos up the ass. El Piloto, Manrique is not that bad, is between middle and lower middle class, one of my aunts lives there and the neighborhood is great. I like the fact people party in the streets until 6am and nobody in the neighborhood complains, they actually join the party... also the amount of "guerrilleras" you can find in this neighborhood is mind blowing!

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southern151 says on Mar 28, 2007, 16:21:

In case some people here have not read MANY of... my previous posts, I am ALL ABOUT culture. That is the primary reason that I went. I wanted to see what the country had to offer. Unfortunately for me, one week was not near enough time to do so. Therefore, I eagerly await my next trip to Medellin. Yeah, the women are beautiful there but I could easily stay right here in the US and see beautiful women(although, I do love the appearance of a well kept Colombiana) and save a helluva lot of money in airfare!

In case anyone is curious, my favorite memories of my visit there was visiting all of the town centers on the weekends and seeing what the vendors there had to offer. I tried a lot of new foods, fruits and drinks that I have never tried or seen in the US. That, to me, is a cultural experience! For the few that may think that I went there to get laid, I'm 27, blonde haired, blue eyed and am very athletically built so, getting laid here has never been a problem.

If anyone is interested(or still confused) about the things that I am interested in, then read this post:
www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/22259

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utopiacowboy says on Mar 28, 2007, 20:47:

Other than Manrique, do you have any other barrios to offer for our consideration?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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morphus says on Mar 28, 2007, 21:23:

Manrique? The rotten glue kids that hang around Poblado begging for money come from Manrique. One night I saw them picking on an old guy in a wheelchair who was also begging for money. He was trying to kick them away and almost fell out of his wheelchair. Another night they robbed an old drunk trying to sell an antique clock. They asked him if they could see it and then ran off with it. The old man was very upset.

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utopiacowboy says on Mar 28, 2007, 21:26:

Now, Morphus, as we all know, the children in Colombia are always well-behaved and very respectful to their elders.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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coffee beaner says on Mar 29, 2007, 10:26:

Riiiiiiiiiiight! And of course morphus you asked the kids where they were from. Although possible I don't believe your little story, anyway other good barrios are Aranjuez, Campo Valdes, Belen.

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 14:50:

Barrios... Barrios in the poor neighborhoods all look the same when driving through them. It's not like NYC where you can drive through the lower east side or the West Village or SoHo to get a feel for the hood. The trick is to be with people from that neighboorhood. But here's a photo taken at night:

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 15:17:

and a video It's 10:00PM New Year's Eve. Careful passing the bonfires on the street as some kid might toss a few fircrackers into the middle...

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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utopiacowboy says on Apr 1, 2007, 15:50:

Except for the area around El Poblado all the really poor areas are up on the hillsides. Normally in the US los ricos like to live up high so they can look down on los pobres but in Medellin a lot of the poor have marvelous views especially at night. Nice photo above.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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panthdave says on Apr 1, 2007, 16:03:

Rocinante is that San Javiar...Picture Above Had a great time in San Javiar Christmas Eve and New Years Eve at my GF Sisters House..What a party bonfires-firecrackers going up your ass-and the floating balloons..and of course the soup that goes on the Bonfire at 7:00am with no sleep and still trying to slug down the rum..or having a beer..

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 16:47:

Globos Right you are UTC. Just the opposite in Latin America. The best views in the world. Panth, it's Manrique on the same side of of the river as Poblado but north past Centro/Boston. The Balloons are called Globos - all baloons that float are called globos. These are launched and just hover above the city for a long time. My dream is to launch from the roof a fleet of these all in succession about 50. Anyway these are tough as they are BIG and flamable - these are made from paper or cloth and are like hot air baloons with litle fires in them. It's really cool to watch them set these up and then launch. I have a video but no time to post it. Here's a three shots in sucession of a launch on the street below.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 16:58:

10:30 PM New Year's Eve This is New Years Eve at around 10:30 PM. Not a lot of fireworks yet. People on the streets, some dancing...

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 17:02:

What a disapointment The videos really come out small, are darker and compressed - they lose lots of quality when you host them on one of these freebie sites... The originals are 640X480

Oh well....

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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Lisa Zee says on Apr 1, 2007, 17:15:

Thank you Rocinante This Globos remind me of my son when he was very young. He was fascinated by them. I can`t wait to show him this pics.
They would be SO illegal here in the USA!

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coffee beaner says on Apr 1, 2007, 17:52:

rocinante is that past la 80 con la 45??? I am so amazed that there isn't that many fires in Medellin with all the globos they put up on christmas

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 17:59:

facinated too and I'm no kid! The great thing is that the fire is inside the baloon and therefore the entire baloon is illuminated as it floats through the sky. I'm totally fascinated by them, too. Everytime one of the kids spotted one they ran to me to point it out. You need about 4 people to get one of the normal ones off the ground. The one in the photos is a bit small and they are usually much bigger than they look; someone needs to stand on a chair or ladder to hold the top as there is no form, just floppy, flamable cloth. Did you ever see an unsucessful launch? The whole thing goes up in flames in an instant. There is an art lighting one of these things as the burner is hand made from cotton in a dish with flammable stuff - it's not just some cylinder on a stick you buy, light the fuse and watch it take off. Plus they are reusable. Many times a globo falls to earth (these are in the sky all week between Nochebuena and La Noche de Fin de Año) and the kid that finds it might not have the know how or equipment to do the launch - so a mini team forms on the streets. The kid that knows what he's doing somehow gets the gas and whatever else is needed and sets it all up, barking orders to the helpers - almost like the millitary. The helpers are just so excited to be a part of it that they are happy to oblige and don't back talk or question anything. I'm guessing a mini lantern with some sort of wick is made. I just don't know. I'll probably waste 5 globos just to get it right. Maybe I should hire a professional launcher to show me the ropes. Did I mention that my goal is 50 in a row next year? OK maybe I'll just do 12 - that's the magic number.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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rocinante says on Apr 1, 2007, 18:23:

beaner I'm not sure what you're asking where Manrique is or how to get there from La 80? I go from Boston near Centro and Manrique is a breeze as it's just 15 minutes North - no need for the 80.

Yeah, I guess if the globo gets off the ground and is not in flames at that time the fire can only get weaker and weaker and burns out before causing any damage. But I'm sure there's a story of one wreaking havoc.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

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coffee beaner says on Apr 1, 2007, 19:05:

no, I was wondering where in Manrique that picture is taken... the area looks familiar, I partied with my cousin around Manrique when I was last there. Usually around la 45 con la 77 and la 43 con 80. Is this picture more towards la Iglesia de Manrique or towards Aranjuez???

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packagegirl says on Apr 1, 2007, 20:05:

There are many good neighbourhoods in medellin that are not close to Poblado, such as: Laureles, Conquistadores, Los Colores, Belén (casi todo), Simón Bolivar, Santa Mónica, La Floresta, Estadio, Prado centro, Buenos Aires, Bostón, La América.
Y otros municipios como: Envigado, Sabaneta

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Lisa Zee says on Apr 1, 2007, 21:05:

Globos De Papel As far as I know, the globos are made of a very fine tissue. We call it "papel de globo". When I was growing up my brothers(5) would make them, and the glue was home made 'almidon'. I used to help (nice memories)
I don`t think they are made with cloth, not the ones I know, they would be too heavy.

Sorry to get off topic.

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panthdave says on Apr 2, 2007, 05:17:

Globos had alot of fun with them... To get on the subject usually find expats in Parque Llares for Happy Hours a few good spots for Happy Hour..Don't go much for Happy Hour..well its down the street from me (Castropol) 15-20 Minute walk... Globos I also notice evaporate quickly if not made right..Like Roca says you need to mess up a few to get it right..Shit cannot wait now for the holiday again and we are not even half thru the year yet...Well in Medellin for the holiday this Thursday for the holiday weekend. My GF is stocking up on the Tequila and Rum for me..We have a cheap liquor store in Centro..She found a place for Jose Cuervo Classico 30 Mil...Cheap tequilo I don't care for that price..


panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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utopiacowboy says on Apr 2, 2007, 05:46:

I wonder why this thread has not been locked yet. They're on a roll. No posts for you! Next!

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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panthdave says on Apr 2, 2007, 07:49:

Why is that Utopia....?? Just wondering???

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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coffee beaner says on Apr 2, 2007, 11:14:

Cuervo for 30k??? where at in el centro???????

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 2, 2007, 11:59:

Gringos in Poblado I live in Poblado and I still rarely see gringos. And yes, I have lunch in Oviedo 2-3 times per week, goto El Tesoro with my girlfriend to window shop and watch movies. Still, no (or very few) gringos. We go to Envigado from time to time, Sabaneta quite a bit (el parque, discos and restaurants), La Estrella quite a bit (el parque), Itagui (metro area mainly unless looking for building materials, etc), Belen, La Mota, El Centro, etc - and still - VERY FEW (IF ANY) GRINGOS.

Mangos - go about once a month with several locals and they cannot point out the Mafiosos or Prepagos (same with Palmahia).

* It seems to me that alot of people here like to exagerate things to sound like an expert. I am no expert for sure, nor claim to be, but the bottom line is that no matter where you go in MDE - there are VERY FEW IF NO GRINGOS TO BE SEEN.

* I guess if you don't currently live here though, it would be easy to generalize those facts.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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coffee beaner says on Apr 2, 2007, 12:10:

Marcos, all those old campesino looking guys with 3-4 hot ass women and drinking Patron or Black Label are most likely mafiosos. Your local friends must be blind or out of touch with reality.

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 2, 2007, 12:15:

nah, i just think they don't associate with them. i've seen the same type back in the states and just like here, they never seem to bother anybody.

* quite frankly, i have more fear of my own government than i do of any mafioso in Medellin.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Brians says on Apr 2, 2007, 12:20:

It's all relative and gringos everywhere is a lose term My mother in law tells me about all the gringos she sees now in Medellin. Now you have to realize this is coming from 0 in about 10 years. So everything is relative. Sure not a lot by most international cities but much more than 10 years.

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morphus says on Apr 2, 2007, 12:58:

Barrios San Javier is another nice one. Ahh...they are all good!

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southern151 says on Apr 2, 2007, 13:30:

Marcos Makes a great point! All of these gringos on this site that don't live there make the most assumptions as to where they fester! I don't live there and couldn't tell you the first damn place to find them congregating! How's that for some truth?! All that I know is where my gringo ass was at(kinda...LOL) and it wasn't only in Poblado and was NEVER at Mangos!

Great point Marcos!

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cali373 says on Apr 2, 2007, 14:02:

I had a great time at Mangos, did see any gringos but some paisas look gringoish so who knows. Great club no joke, expensive for Colombian standards, but if I lived there I probably would not make it a regular place for me.

Smile if you are a thinker!

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tejasmarcos says on Apr 2, 2007, 15:26:

mangos reminds me of an old saloon. they put alot of $$ into it. my girlfriend likes it alot. i think it is mainly because of the dancing entertainers (male, female, little people). pretty good show, but it is the same routine pretty much every time. Colombia does a great job in entertaining the customers vs. just serving drinks and playing music.

* this whole town is filled with great people. i like them all and could care less where they came from.

* palmahia put on a good show this past friday night with live entertainment headed up by a guy "tearing up" the accordian (if that is possible). i couldn't help notice how much brotherly love was in the air - everybody singing together, hugging and chatting away like they ALL knew each other. the only word i could think of was "harmony" and how the people seemed to be in harmony with one another. this is one of the outstanding differences in the two cultures in my mind. Colombians bond extremely well, no matter what. gringos are not as adept at this as a whole. who knows, maybe i am generalizing. however, i have never been more in touch with my fellow man/women than when i came here and started becoming alot closer to people, Colombian people. i still have very few gringo friends here with one or two exceptions from this board.

trying to walk a straight line on sour mash and cheap wine...

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Lisa Zee says on Apr 2, 2007, 21:13:

Great comments Marcus!!! This is what you do, blend in with the people. "When In Rome"....

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packagegirl says on Apr 2, 2007, 22:21:

Mango's and Palmahia suck full of grillas, prepagos and mafiosos. Those places are the most tacky in the world

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coffee beaner says on Apr 2, 2007, 22:29:

Although I don't mind the grilla part, it is true that Mangos and Palmahia usually have a lot of prepagos and mafiosos. Thats why I personally prefer Guam Bar, Babylon, Santhos, Sam Pues, La Clarita etc. Love them grillas though!

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morphus says on Apr 2, 2007, 23:18:

Whats wrong with prepagos? They're fun to party with and talk to. If they like you, they might give you a freebie.

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circusoflife says on Apr 3, 2007, 03:28:

you think you are a minority -- you have no f'ing idea. I am a gringo...but I am ABC (American born Chinese). In two weeks here...I met one Japanese guy - at a hostel I stayed in for a few days. Since then (2 weeks) ...I don't think I've seen ANY Asians - man or woman. But you know...I don't remember for sure...since my mind tends to focus on the native female upright, bi-pedal variety.

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panthdave says on Apr 3, 2007, 05:24:

True Mangos Full of Prepagos and pricey... Palmahia I actually like better than Mangos but real pricey...but dont' go to none anymore.. Usually party at the PUB near Circus...on Saturday night.. Gets real crazy..Jose Cuervo 60 Mil and only serve Pilsen no Brava's..Great Music and locals mostly..Three places for the price of one..IF want alittle nicer will go to Folia but thats as far as I go..now..but the doorman at Folia is always a grump.

Morphus does have point know some prepagos which are kool to hang out with and if they know you and you are partying at the end of the night they get alittle horney and you will get freebie.. Use to happen to me late at night at House of Electronica where many hang out to party but stay away now have a steady GF and she is always watching but don't care I am happy with her..She is kool..

Peace out In Medellin this weekend..
Anybody in town this weekend stock up which my GF is doing because many stores will be closed for Good Friday and Sunday Easter get to Exito or Carrefour..Getting my Carne Asada for Saturday Barbacue at my butcher in Centro..Barbacue in San Javiar...Saturday another hell raising drunk I will be..with my GF and GF Brother in law..

panthdave Miami

panthdave Miami

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packagegirl says on Apr 3, 2007, 16:28:

Yeahhh I love the Pub!!! It's cool!!!. I like the Blue too.

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